Islamabad, 2nd June, 2026; The 22nd meeting of the Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunication was held today under the Chairmanship of Syed Amin ul Haq, MNA at 11:30 a.m. in the Committee Room of NTC Headquarters, G-5/2, Islamabad.

The Committee expressed serious concern over the progress of the Karachi IT Park project; as the Ministry has failed to effectively pursue and advance the Karachi IT Park project. The project was introduced in 2021; however, despite the passage of nearly five years, no significant progress has been achieved. Although an advertisement has been published for the hiring of a local consultant, the Committee noted with concern that bidders have yet to be effectively engaged and no clear timeline has been established for the completion of the project. The Committee observed that the unnecessary delays are resulting in a continuous escalation of project costs. The Committee directed that a comprehensive progress report on the Karachi IT Park project be presented at the next meeting, including details regarding the current status of the project, challenges faced, future course of action, and the expected completion timeline. The Committee further directed that transparency, merit, and principles of good governance be strictly ensured throughout all stages of the project. With regard to the Islamabad IT Park project, the Committee directed the Ministry to present a detailed progress report at its next meeting. The Committee further instructed the Ministry to ensure that the inauguration of the Islamabad IT Park takes place during the first week of August, in accordance with the proposed timeline. The Committee emphasized that the timely operationalization of the Islamabad IT Park is essential for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth in the information technology sector. The Committee observed that the project is expected to create valuable opportunities for technology companies, freelancers, startups, and students, thereby contributing to the development of Pakistan’s digital economy and enhancing employment prospects for the youth.

The Committee took up the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for consideration. During the deliberations, members belonging to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) expressed their reservations, stating that the proposed amendments had not yet been discussed with the Parliamentary Legislative Committee of the Party. Consequently, the members raised objections to proceed with the bill at this stage. The Committee observed that it has consistently upheld democratic norms and traditions by ensuring that legislation is enacted through broad-based consultation, consensus-building, and the inclusion of all political stakeholders. However, in the case of the present bill, no meaningful consultative process has so far been undertaken with the relevant political parties and stakeholders. Accordingly, the Committee decided to defer “The Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026” till its next meeting, with the direction that the consultation process with all relevant political parties and stakeholders be completed. The bill may thereafter be re-submitted before the Committee for further consideration and appropriate recommendations.

While discussing internet coverage across the country, the Committee expressed concern over the unsatisfactory state of internet connectivity in various parts of Pakistan. The Committee noted that, despite surveys and assessments conducted by the relevant authorities, internet coverage in several constituencies remains inadequate or virtually non-existent, causing difficulties for residents and limiting access to digital services. In response, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the Committee that it has engaged with the relevant stakeholders, including the power sector authorities, to address the issue. PTA explained that many of the connectivity challenges are attributable to electricity outages and load-shedding, which adversely affect the operation of telecommunication infrastructure. PTA further informed the Committee that following the 5G spectrum auction, telecom operators are undertaking extensive upgrades of their networks and infrastructure. As part of these efforts, the average 4G data speeds, which previously stood at approximately 4 Mbps, are expected to be enhanced to around 20 Mbps. Furthermore, with the deployment and expansion of 5G infrastructure, internet speeds are projected to reach up to 50 Mbps, thereby significantly improving the quality of broadband services available to consumers.

The following MNAs namely, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, Mr. Ahmad Saleem Siddiqui, Ms. Asia Ishaque Siddiqui, Mr. Ammar Ahmad Khan Leghari, besides the officials of the Ministry and its attached departments attended the meeting.